I have a Browning A5 that my father used regularly for duck hunting but I have never used it since the requirement to use non-toxic shot went into effect. Some folks have told me that the new steel shot loads won't hurt the gun and others have said I should not use steel shot in the gun. Anyone have an opinion or advice.

My dad and I shot steel shot in 2 auto-5's that were made in 1964. The special steel stamp on the barrel is just an indication of the alloy used and they are very hard, it has Nothing to do with steel shot. They both had WELL OVER 1000 rounds each thru them and not one mark in the barrel. They were both Full choke and shot #4 and #2 just fine. He retired them last year when he bought a new MP153 and Win X2

I have a pre 64 with a full choke. I don't know what steel shot caused it, but my barrel is bulged. I think the prevoius posts suggesting keeping the shot size at #2 or below will be good advice. Otherwise, you may want to get a used or at least different barrel for steel. Also, keep an eye on the fore arm and keep the friction rings in the right sequence. The steel loads are a little hotter than the old lead loads and you can develop longitudinal cracks in the old wood

I have mothballed the A-5 and now shoot a Benelli Super Black Eagle. It has its own issues, but for the most part, a great alternative!

I have a browning A-500 which I used in the field last year. It was the smoothest best swinging gun. I killed lots of ducks with it last year but was forced to retire it. I was doing a 4 day hunt and got it wet, put it in the case, forgot about it, and got some rust spots on it. I was pretty sad... It was one of the last guns they made in Belgium.

Anyone else have one of these?

If anyone knows where to get a 3" A5 that they are wanting to get rid of please let me know. I have been trying to find one for years!

Sagebrush wrote:I have seen pictures on the net where the barrels have split or cracked at the muzzle. Some get a "Buldge" behind the choke.

I had two barrels a full and a mod for my soft barrels. Shot theMod with 1oz # 5 steel, but had ejection problems, so am using another newer gun.

I still have six boxs of Bismuth # 2's for it though.

I have one of these in my basement. If any one is really interested I can grab it and get pics sometime today.
It looks as if you put your finger in the barrel and (being really really strong) pushed down a quarter inch or so.
It's not immediately apparent but it's definitely there.

my dad has an a-5 light 12 belgum and everyone always said not to shoot steel shot threw it but after reading this post i went and looked at the barrel and what do you know it says special steel guess i dont have to buy an new semi after all

I shoot a 1952 Belgium made Browning A5 with fixed full choke. This gun only shoots 2 3/4 shells but has worked flawlessly for me deer hunting, in the dove fields, and in the duck blinds. As far as steel shot goes I've shot only #2 and #4 shot (mostly #4). I have never had any issue with my A5 as a result of shooting steel through a fixed full choke barrel. I've always heard to keep it #2 and bellow and you will be fine. From experience I can say that is a true statement.

As has been stated, "Special Steel" has to do with the material the barrel is made from, not steel shot. Per Browning, "Do not shoot steel shot through any Belgian made gun". Of course, this could be a CYA thing from Browning, but they are pretty emphatic about steel in Belgian guns. CIP, on the other hand, has a series of recommendations for the use of steel shot in older guns not proofed for steel. Basically, don't use any load over 1 1/8oz, no shot larger than #4, no MV higher than 1400fps and no choke tighter than modified. And, yes, the CIP recommendation was published well after Roster invented the thick petaled wad.

That said, there are a ton of old A5s out there that people are shooting steel through with little of no problems. About the biggest problem that one can experience is a bulge in the barrel right behind the choke. And while this walnut is noticeable, and probably an annoyance to anyone who has one, it is purely cosmetic and will not effect the way the gun shoots. About the safest thing to do is to see if you can find a steel safe barrel for the gun, especially if it is of any sentimental value.

Frank

I feel slightly sorry for a man who has never patterned his gun, who has no idea how far his chosen load will retain killing penetration. But I'm extremely sorry for the ducks he shoots at beyond the killing range of his gun and load - Bob Brister